Дисертації з теми "MCAE Systems"

This work aims to the design of a carbon fiber bicycle frame with production technology suitable for piece production. The work summarizes the methods of production of composite frames and important parameters that must be respected when designing the frame. A Gravel frame was chosen for the design. The frame was designed for production using stainless steel printed lugs with glued composite tubes. The proposed solution was strength tested. The work also contains a design of a production jig for the construction of bicycle frames.

Thesis (M. S.)--Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009.
Committee Chair: Schaefer, Dirk; Committee Member: Panchal, Jitesh; Committee Member: Paredis, Chris; Committee Member: Rosen, David; Committee Member: Yoder, Douglas. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.

The late Archean Mount McRae Shale of the Hamersley Basin in Western Australia may record the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere before the Great Oxidation Event (2.4-2.3 Ga). Several prior studies (Anbar et al., 2007; Blum and Anbar, 2010; Duan et al., 2010; Kakegawa et al., 1998; McManus et al., 2006) have used isotopic systems to analyze the Mount McRae Shale and conclude that there was a presence of oxygen before the Great Oxidation Event. The purpose of this study is to determine if the U-Pb system can be used to see through later events to the initial conditions. The uranium-lead values of the Mt McRae Shale provide evidence of the mobilization of U and Pb gain. The geochemical disturbances have been linked to the tectonic activity (460 Ma) in the neighboring Canning basin, which could have possibly opened the geochemical system. In terms of the depositional environment the U-Pb data gathered here do not point to oxygenation of the atmosphere.

The model training algorithm is a critical component in the statistical pattern recognition approaches which are based on the Bayes decision theory. Conventional applications of the Bayes decision theory usually assume uniform error cost and result in a ubiquitous use of the maximum a posteriori (MAP) decision policy and the paradigm of distribution estimation as practice in the design of a statistical pattern recognition system. The minimum classification error (MCE) training method is proposed to overcome some substantial limitations for the conventional distribution estimation methods. In this thesis, three aspects of the MCE method are generalized. First, an optimal classifier/recognizer design framework is constructed, aiming at minimizing non-uniform error cost.A generalized training criterion named weighted MCE is proposed for pattern and speech recognition tasks with non-uniform error cost. Second, the MCE method for speech recognition tasks requires appropriate management of multiple recognition hypotheses for each data segment. A modified version of the MCE method with a new approach to selecting and organizing recognition hypotheses is proposed for continuous phoneme recognition. Third, the minimum verification error (MVE) method for detection-based automatic speech recognition (ASR) is studied. The MVE method can be viewed as a special version of the MCE method which aims at minimizing detection/verification errors. We present many experiments on pattern recognition and speech recognition tasks to justify the effectiveness of our generalizations.

Understanding the future of a Large Technical System (LTS) through a sociotechnical analysis is a complex notion. The authors will investigate the phenomenon by studying residential water consumption in Sweden. Although Sweden has great access to raw water, compared to many other countries, it does not justify the fact that consumption patterns have to be unsustainable. To perceive the future, one will need to have knowledge of history. Therefore, this thesis has identified 11 drivers that will affect future residential water consumption. From these 11 drivers, the authors have posed four future scenarios for residential water consumption. The top 3 identified drivers are connected to behaviour and awareness. Thus, implying individuals' responsibility and accountability will be of greater significance for the sustainable development of residential water consumption. For this research, the authors have adopted a framework based on the application of LTS, Multi-Level Perspective (MLP), Scenario building, PESTLE, and Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA). The authors have conducted a qualitative study, gathering data through a literature study and semi-structured interviews. The 18 interviewees covered a broad spectrum of knowledge, experiences, and general interest in water. By understanding the dynamics of the system and drivers, the authors will be able to present the gathered knowledge to stakeholders for possible strategic decisions.
Att förstå framtiden för ett stort tekniskt system (LTS) genom en socioteknisk analys innebär stor komplexitet. Detta kommer att undersökas genom att studera hushållens vattenförbrukning i Sverige. Även om Sverige har stor tillgång till råvatten, jämfört med många andra länder, berättigar det inte förekommandet av ohållbara konsumtionsmönster. För att öka förståelsen av framtiden måste en ha kunskap om historien. Därför har denna avhandling identifierat 11 drivkrafter som kommer att påverka den framtida hushållens vattenförbrukning. Från dessa 11 drivkrafter har författarna formulerat fyra framtida scenarier för hushållens vattenförbrukning. De tre högst rankade identifierade drivkrafterna är kopplade till beteende och medvetenhet. Detta antyder på att individens enskilda ansvar och skyldigheter är av större betydelse för en hållbar utveckling av hushållens vattenförbrukning. För denna forskning har författarna använt sig av ett teoretiskt ramverk som bygger på tillämpningen av LTS, Multi-Level Perspective (MLP), Scenario building, PESTLE and Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA). Författarna har genomfört en kvalitativ studie, där insamling av data härstammar från den genomförda litteraturstudien och 18 semi-strukturerade intervjuer. De 18 intervjukandidaterna täckte ett brett spektrum av kunskap, erfarenhet och intresse av vatten. Genom att skapa ett samband och förstå dynamiken i systemet och drivkrafterna, kommer författarna att kunna presentera den samlade kunskapen till intressenter för eventuella strategiska beslut.

Acoustic modeling in state-of-the-art speech recognition systems is commonly based on discriminative criteria. Different from the paradigm of the conventional distribution estimation such as maximum a posteriori (MAP) and maximum likelihood (ML), the most popular discriminative criteria such as MCE and MPE aim at direct minimization of the empirical error rate. As recent ASR applications become diverse, it has been increasingly recognized that realistic applications often require a model that can be optimized for a task-specific goal or a particular scenario beyond the general purposes of the current discriminative criteria. These specific requirements cannot be directly handled by the current discriminative criteria since the objective of the criteria is to minimize the overall empirical error rate. In this thesis, we propose novel objective-driven discriminative training and adaptation frameworks, which are generalized from the minimum classification error (MCE) criterion, for various tasks and scenarios of speech recognition and detection. The proposed frameworks are constructed to formulate new discriminative criteria which satisfy various requirements of the recent ASR applications. In this thesis, each objective required by an application or a developer is directly embedded into the learning criterion. Then, the objective-driven discriminative criterion is used to optimize an acoustic model in order to achieve the required objective. Three task-specific requirements that the recent ASR applications often require in practice are mainly taken into account in developing the objective-driven discriminative criteria. First, an issue of individual error minimization of speech recognition is addressed and we propose a direct minimization algorithm for each error type of speech recognition. Second, a rapid adaptation scenario is embedded into formulating discriminative linear transforms under the MCE criterion. A regularized MCE criterion is proposed to efficiently improve the generalization capability of the MCE estimate in a rapid adaptation scenario. Finally, the particular operating scenario that requires a system model optimized at a given specific operating point is discussed over the conventional receiver operating characteristic (ROC) optimization. A constrained discriminative training algorithm which can directly optimize a system model for any particular operating need is proposed. For each of the developed algorithms, we provide an analytical solution and an appropriate optimization procedure.

One of the major challenges that the energy system is facing is how 100% renewable electricity generation should be designed and controlled. So far, utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) parks, have dominated the international market and is expected to grow in Sweden. In order for this expansion to thrive it needs to be done in a resource and system-efficient way. In this study, a methodology for a utility-scale solar guide (from Swedish 'Solbruksplan') is developed. This is done through electrical grid simulations and geographical analysis in order to find strategic locations for PV parks, without grid reinforcements, using Herrljunga municipality as a case study. The electrical grid is analyzed through power flow simulations and the geographical assessment is done using multi-criteria analysis (MCA) with a Boolean approach. Three different sizes of PV parks, 1, 3, and 5 MW, were simulated and assessed. The results show that 8.6% of the total area in the municipality, or 78,500 square meters per substation, is suitable for locating 1 MW PV parks. The majority of the grid’s substations (about 90%) also have enough capacity for a PV park of 1 MW. Furthermore, parts of the grid can host PV parks of 3 and 5 MW, but limited to the proximity of the urban areas. However, 3 and 5 MW PV parks are not suitable due to limited land availability in urban areas. The results highlight that a utility-scale solar guide can be used to effectively identify possible areas for PV parks, considering geography and grid capacity. Hence, it can function as a tool for utility companies, municipalities, PV companies and land-owners to find resource and system-efficient locations for PV parks.
Solbruksplaner för system- och resurseffektiv utbyggnad av solelproduktion

With the resource constrained nature of mobile devices and the resource abundant offerings of the cloud, several promising optimisation techniques have been proposed by the green computing research community. Prominent techniques and unique methods have been developed to offload resource/computation intensive tasks from mobile devices to the cloud. Most of the existing offloading techniques can only be applied to legacy mobile applications as they are motivated by existing systems. Consequently, they are realised with custom runtimes which incur overhead on the application. Moreover, existing approaches which can be applied to the software development phase, are difficult to implement (based on manual process) and also fall short of overall (mobile to cloud) efficiency in software qualityattributes or awareness of full-tier (mobile to cloud) implications. To address the above issues, the thesis proposes a model-driven architecturefor integration of software quality with green optimisation in Mobile Cloud Applications (MCAs), abbreviated as Mango architecture. The core aim of the architecture is to present an approach which easily integrates software quality attributes (SQAs) with the green optimisation objective of Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC). Also, as MCA is an application domain which spans through the mobile and cloud tiers; the Mango architecture, therefore, takesinto account the specification of SQAs across the mobile and cloud tiers, for overall efficiency. Furthermore, as a model-driven architecture, models can be built for computation intensive tasks and their SQAs, which in turn drives the development – for development efficiency. Thus, a modelling framework (called Mosaic) and a full-tier test framework (called Beftigre) were proposed to automate the architecture derivation and demonstrate the efficiency of Mango approach. By use of real world scenarios/applications, Mango has been demonstrated to enhance the MCA development process while achieving overall efficiency in terms of SQAs (including mobile performance and energy usage compared to existing counterparts).

Urbanisation is increasing and more sustainable transport modes are promoted, in both the sustainable development goals and the national goals. Sweden has developed a national cycling strategy, with the purpose to improve cycling infrastructure and make more people chose the bike. While cycling is good for both environment, reduced congestion and personal health, the traffic mode comes with high risk of accidents. Insufficient operation and maintenance is one of the main causes of single accidents involving cyclists. To improve the road quality on existing paths, this study has in collaboration with NCC, developed a concept for reporting issues on paths for cyclists directly to the road manager. The aim is to increase the efficiency of inspections on cycling paths and to cover more risk related aspects. A pilot area was chosen, due to variations in contracts for NCC’s operational areas in Sweden. The choice of pilot area was Borås, based on type of contract, local initiatives and sufficient information available. The methodology of this project consisted of a general literature review, followed with a deeper study of contracts and seminars in Borås. The seminars provided local insight from the NCC workers and cyclists familiar in the area. A grading system for the reports was obtained through a multi-criteria analysis in which criteria was combined with weights based on risk factor to demonstrate the urgency from more sides than just the contact. An analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats was made to evaluate the concept. The result is in the form of a reporting system where cyclists can register errands about problems on their cycling paths in a mobile application. An NCC administrator at the main local office will organise the reports into the relevant criterion and score it according to urgency. The errand is then graded based on the score combined with a weight for that criterion to represent the risk factor. Colour coded symbols will appear on a digital map, giving NCC a good overview of the cycling path that can help them prioritise and schedule maintenance more efficiently. It is expected that some of the reports will concern problems outside of NCC contract boarders, these will be handled separately in a Grey Zone. Either the errand will be forwarded to responsible road manager, or it will be used in action proposals to the contract holder. For this system to work, it is important that the users stay engaged. This is attained with a feedback mechanism allowing the user to follow the report throughout the process. It will be possible to receive notifications when the status of an errand is updated. During a seminar with local cyclists, personalised feedback was preferred. A suggestion to meet this request is given in the form of a gamification feature, where points and achievements illustrate the importance of the cyclist’s reports. To attract users, different incentives such as discounts or service might be necessary. A final recommendation from this project is to create a system with the intention to collaborate with local initiatives and stakeholders. The value of this concept lay in increased efficiency and quality of operation and maintenance of cycling path that will lead to a safer environment for the citizens.
Då befolkningsmängden i städerna ökar blir kravet på hållbarare transportmedel allt mer påtagligt. Sverige har utvecklat en nationell cykelstrategi med målet att öka cykelinfrastrukturen och få fler att välja cykeln. Att cykla har många fördelar, förutom att den är mer platseffektiv i trafiken och kan minska trafikstockningar, är den också bra för miljön och den personliga hälsan. En av de främsta nackdelarna är dock risken för olyckor, och bristande drift och underhåll av cykelvägarna är en av huvudorsakerna till singelolyckor med cyklister. För att förbättra vägkvalitén på de befintliga vägarna har den här studien, i samarbete med NCC, tagit fram ett koncept där cyklister kan rapportera in fel direkt till väghållaren. Målet är att effektivisera kontrollerna av cykelvägarna och integrera riskfaktorer i prioritering av arbetet. Borås valdes som pilotområde för denna studie då kontrakt för drift och underhåll varierar mellan olika områden. Valet av pilotområde baserades på lokala engagemang, medlemskap i Svenska Cykelstäder och kontraktsmodellen. NCC har ett regionalt kontrakt med Trafikverket för Boråsområdet vilket är fördelaktigt då dessa kontrakt är mer generella än lokala kontrakt. Arbetet började med en generell litteraturstudie i ämnet, efterföljt av en djupare studie av Boråskontraktet och seminarier för att fånga lokala förhållanden och önskemål. Utifrån detta utvecklades ett betygssystem med hjälp av en multikriterieanalys där kriterier från kontraktet vägs samman med en riskfaktor för att öka insikten hos väghållaren om vikten av ett problem på cykelvägen och göra det lättare att prioritera arbeten. Slutligen utfördes en analys av styrkor, svagheter, möjligheter och hot för att utvärdera konceptet. Ett konceptuellt rapporteringssystem där cyklister kan anmäla fel på cykelvägarna de använder dagligen via en mobil applikation är resultatet av denna studie. Ärendet hanteras via det lokala driftkontoret av en administratör som kategoriserar problemet och registrerar hur allvarligt det är. Via betygssystemet erhåller ärendet en prioriteringsordning och färgkodade symboler på en digital karta ger en bra överblick av cykelvägarnas kvalité som kan användas vid planering av underhållsarbetet. Det är också förväntat att detta system kommer ta emot rapporter som berör problem utanför NCC:s kontraktsramar, dessa hanteras i en så kallad Gråzon. Ärendena här kan antingen vidarebefordras till ansvarig väghållare eller användas för att skapa åtgärdsförslag till den aktuella kontraktshållaren. Det är viktigt att bibehålla cyklisternas intresse för rapporteringssystemet. Detta är tänkt att uppnås med hjälp av ett kontinuerligt återkopplingssystem där rapporterna kan följas genom hela hanteringsprocessen. Det ska också finnas en möjlighet för cyklisten att få notiser när ärendets status uppdaterats. Intresset för personlig återkoppling var stor, enligt deltagare i ett av seminarierna. Då det är tidskrävande för väghållaren att hantera ärenden på en personlig nivå föreslogs därför ett typ av personligt poängsystem med utmärkelser som ska illustrera vikten av rapporterna. Olika typer av belöningssystem i form av rabatterade erbjudanden eller cykelservice skulle ytterligare fånga cyklisters intresse för applikationen. En slutlig rekommendation är att skapa ett system i nära samarbete med de olika intressenterna. Värdet av det här konceptet ligger i den ökade effektiviteten och kvalitén av drift och underhåll på cykelvägar som leder till en säkrare miljö för medborgarna.

Inflow and infiltration (I/I) water in the sewer network originates from groundwater, precipitation, seawater as well as over-leakage from drinking water pipes. It is the proportion of water in the sewer system that is not wastewater and causes problems both at the treatment plant as well as in the sewer network. Through overflows, floods and bypassing at the treatment plant I/I causes discharges of wastewater to recipients and nature and thus have negative environmental effects. I/I also stand for an overload in the system which, in addition to environmental consequences, also has social, economic and technical consequences. Despite efforts to reduce and mitigate the effects of I/I water for a long time, the problem remains and a large proportion of all the wastewater in the network and the treatment plan still is I/I.  Historically, and for many cases at present, there is little to no methodology for how the work with I/I water takes place and is prioritized in the municipalities and responsible water and sewerage organizations. Measures have instead been implemented with a reaction based approach, in other words when something has broken down or there is a failure in the system. A new discussion about I/I water has arisen in recent years due to new requirements from supervisory authorities. As there is not much follow-up or methodology around the work with I/I water, the process of developing a strategy to meet these new requirements for municipalities has shown to be difficult. In cases where analysis of measures against I/I water has been carried out, cost and effects in the treatment plant (i.e. the proportion of I/I water) have most often been used and dimensions other than economic have been left out of the analysis. As I/I water affects social and environmental factors to a great extent, this should be taken into greater account.  In this work, a multi-criterion analysis has been performed in a case study where similar measures to reduce I/I water and its effects in two different areas have been analysed. The included measures were separation, lining, pipe bursting and installation of a stormwater cassette. The results of the case study show that measure A2 has the greatest positive effect. However, there are major uncertainties in the case study conducted and the results are not considered to be robust enough to be used. However, what has been important to include from the work is that by defining and using criteria from all sustainability dimensions, a comprehensive action choice analysis is created and that it is a structured approach to apply. Here, the importance of opening up for discussion within the municipality/organization is emphasized to achieve a coherent view of the prioritization of I/I water and to achieve efficient management. Problems and amounts of I/I water are complex issues and vary from place to place, and are strongly linked to local geohydrological and climate conditions and design of local sewage systems. Therefore, it is important to coordinate the planning of I/I water to use a workflow that is general and can be used, regardless of conditions, in a simple way where adjustments in accordance with local conditions are possible. This work has shown that multi-criteria analysis is a clear and adaptable tool for meeting the difficulties that exist.
Tillskottsvatten härstammar från grundvatten, nederbörd samt havsvatten genom felaktiga anslutningar eller läckage i ledningsnätet samt från överläckage från dricksvattenledningar. Det är andelen av vatten i avloppsnätet som inte är spillvatten och orsakar, genom bräddning, översvämningar och förbiledning i reningsverket, utsläpp av avloppsvatten till recipienter och natur samt står för en överbelastning i systemet. Trots att man arbetat med att minska och lindra effekterna av tillskottsvatten under lång tid så kvarstår problemet och en stor andel av allt samlat vatten i ledningsnätet och som kommer till reningsverket är just tillskottsvatten.  Historiskt, samt för många fall i nuläget, så existerar det lite till ingen metodik kring hur arbetet med tillskottsvatten sker i kommunerna och ansvariga VA-organisationer utan åtgärder har implementerats på måfå eller när något har gått sönder. En ny diskussion kring tillskottsvatten har uppstått de senaste åren på grund av uppkomna nya kravställningar från tillsynsmyndigheter. I och med att det inte finns mycket uppföljning eller metodik kring arbetet med tillskottsvatten så har processen med att ta fram en strategi för att möta dessa nya krav för kommuner ofta varit svår. I de fall som analys av åtgärder mot tillskottsvatten har utförts så har kostnad och effekter i reningsverket (det vill säga andel mängd tillskottsvatten) oftast används och andra dimensioner än ekonomiska har lämnats utanför analysen. Då tillskottsvatten påverkar sociala samt miljömässiga faktorer i hög grad bör detta tas större hänsyn till.  I det här arbetet så har en multikriterieanalys utförts i en fallstudie där liknande åtgärder för att minska tillskottsvatten och dess effekter i olika områden har analyserats. De ingående åtgärderna var separering, infodring, rörspräckning samt anläggning av en dagvattenkassett. Resultatet av fallstudien visar att åtgärdsalternativ 2 har störst positiv effekt. Det finns dock stora osäkerheter i den fallstudie som utförts och resultatet anses inte vara tillräckligt robust för att användas. Det som dock har varit viktigt att ta med från arbetet är att genom att definiera och använda kriterier från alla hållbarhetsdimensioner skapas en heltäckande åtgärdsvalsanalys och att det är ett strukturerat arbetssätt att applicera. Här understryks vikten av att öppna upp för diskussion inom kommunen/organisationen för att nå en sammanhållen syn på prioriteringen av tillskottsvatten samt för att nå en effektiv hantering. Problem och mängder tillskottsvatten i olika ställen är komplext och starkt kopplat till lokala klimat och geohydrologiska förhållanden samt lokala avloppssystem. Därför är det viktigt för att samordna planeringen av tillskottsvatten att använda en arbetsgång som är generell och kan användas, oavsett förutsättningar, på ett enkelt sätt där justeringar i enlighet med lokala förutsättningar är möjligt. Det här arbetet har visat att multikriterieanalys är ett tydligt och anpassningsbart verktyg för att möta de svårigheter som finns.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T17:48:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Leslie_Defante.pdf: 812707 bytes, checksum: d92d4165f390781200d13f9907af6b34 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-29
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
In order to characterize the farms, by identifying characteristics of production, milk composition and influence of the management systems of hygiene and sanitary production of milk - SPL of the western region of Paraná State. A study was conducted in 23 SPL, with the collection of data from a semi-structured questionnaire guide and collection of samples of raw milk and cooled water reservoirs.. analyses were performed using physical-chemical (fat, protein, lactose, total solids) of somatic cell counting (SCC) and total bacterial counting (TBC). For microbiological tests were performed to determine the most probable number of total coliform and thermotolerant coliform by multiple tube method. We evaluated the differences found in production systems by means of multivariate statistical techniques, namely: multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, the milk production and herd feeding management, milking management, reproductive management, disease control, and finally the marketing of milk. The variables that best explained the diversity of the systems were: the amount of milk produced, lactating cows, repetition of estrus, based on feed and milking practices, hygiene and mastitis test ceilings. While the high counts of CBT, CCS and the presence of total coliforms and thermotolerant in some dairy production systems have proved to be indicative of deficiencies in hygiene procedures for milking, cleaning and sanitizing of milking equipment, associated with inadequate cooling of milk. Delivering the decreased concentrations of the components fat, protein and total solids, causing changes in the quality of milk and dairy products. The typology of production systems allowed to portray the diversity in the organization and manner of production, enabling the simplification of the universe of producers, allowing us to tailor production strategies, managing and improving the quality of milk for each system
Objetivou-se avaliar as características de 23 sistemas de produção de leite (SPL) na região Oeste do Estado do Paraná. O levantamento das características de produção, composição e qualidade do leite e do manejo higiênico-sanitário foi obtido pela coleta de dados a partir de um questionário guia semi-estruturado e pela coleta de amostras de leite de tanque e água de reservatórios. As amostras de leite foram analisadas quanto às características físico-químicas (gordura, proteína, lactose, sólidos totais), contagem de células somáticas, contagem bacteriana total e microbiológicas no leite. Para as análises microbiológicas foram realizadas a determinação do número mais provável de coliformes totais e coliformes termotolerantes pelo método de tubos múltiplos. Posteriormente, as diversidades encontradas nos SPL foram analisadas por meio de técnicas estatísticas multivariadas: análise de correspondências múltiplas (ACM), análise de componentes principais (ACP) e análise de cluster; quanto a produtividade do rebanho, manejo alimentar, manejo de ordenha, manejo reprodutivo, controle sanitário, e por último a comercialização do leite. As variáveis que melhor explicaram as diversidades dos SPL foram: a quantidade de leite produzido, o número de vacas lactantes, repetição de cio, base forrageira e as práticas de ordenha (teste de mastite e higienização dos tetos). Enquanto que elevados valores de CBT, CCS e presença de coliformes totais e termotolerantes em alguns SPL demonstraram ser um indicativo de deficiência nos procedimentos de higiene na ordenha, na limpeza e sanitização dos equipamentos de ordenha. Isso proporcionou uma a diminuição das concentrações dos componentes gordura, proteína e sólidos totais, ocasionando alterações na qualidade do leite. A tipologia dos sistemas de produção permitiu retratar a diversidade existente na organização e na forma de produção, possibilitando a simplificação do universo dos produtores, e a adequação de estratégias de produção, gestão e melhoria da qualidade do leite para cada sistema

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Boston University
PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you.
The purpose of this study was to determine the relative contribution to the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) English Language Arts (ELA) of five variables: Type of Community (Urban or Suburban), Gender, Race, Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) Verbal, and PSAT Writing. MCAS is a criterion-referenced examination administered to students at various grade levels to determine their knowledge of approved curriculum. As of 2003, students must pass the mathematics and English language arts sections in order to receive a diploma. Data for the study was gathered from three urban and four suburban school districts in Massachusetts. Data about 914 students was collected from Summer 2001 - Winter 2002. Multiple regression statistical analysis was used to examine the collective and separate contributions of five independent variables; gender, race, type of community (urban or suburban), score on the verbal subtest of the PSAT, and score on the writing subtest to the findings on the dependent variab le - tenth grade language arts achievement on the MCAS. Results of the statistical analyses showed a strong relationship between MCASELA and the five independent variables, with most of the relationship attributable to the PSAT Verbal test results. Three other variables combined - PSAT Writing, Type of Community, and Gender - accounted for just 4% of the additional variance. Step-wise multiple regression analysis indicated that exclusion of Race did not diminish predictiveness, and Gender added very little to predictiveness. PSAT Verbal, PSAT Writing, and Type of Community were the principal contributions to variation in MCAS-ELA in the study. The four null hypotheses and results follow: There is no significant relationship between the dependent variable - MCAS-ELA -- and the independent variables -- Type of Community, Gender, Race, PSA T Verbal, and PSAT Writing - rejected. There is no significant relationship between each independent variable and each of the other independent variables - rejected. There is no significant relationship between the dependent variable and the other variables taken together - rejected. There is no significant additional vanance m MCAS - ELA accou nted for by an independent variable after other variable (s) - responsible for greater contributions to variance - (have) accounted for as much of the variance as possible - accepted.
2031-01-01

Even though silicon technology is dominant today, the physics (quantum electron tunneling effect), design (power dissipation, wire delays) and the manufacturing (lithography resolution) limitations of CMOS technology are pushed towards the scaling end. These issues motivated us towards a new paradigm that contributes to a continued advancement in terms of performance, density, and cost. The magnetic field coupled computing (MFC) paradigm, which is one of the regimes where we leverage and utilize the neighbor interaction of the nanomagnets to order the single-domain magnetic cells to perform computational tasks. The most important and attractive features of this technology are: 1) room temperature operation, which has been a limitation in electrostatic field coupled devices, 2) high density and nonetheless 3) low static power dissipation. It will be intriguing to address queries like, what are the challenges posed by the technology with such exotic features? Answer to such questions would become the focus of this doctoral research. The fundamental problem with magnetic field coupled devices is the directional flow of information from input to output. In this work, we have proposed a novel spatially moving Landauer clock system for MFC nanomagnet array which has an advantage over existing adiabatic clock system. Extensive simulation studies were done to model and validate the clock for different length, size, and shape of nanomagnet array. Another key challenge is the manufacturing defect, which leads to uncertainty and unreliability issues. We studied the different dominant types of geometric defects (missing material, missing cell, spacing, bulge, and merging) in array (used as interconnects) based on our fabrication experiments. We also studied effect of these defects on different segments (locations) of the array with spatially moving clock. The study concluded that a spatially moving clock scheme constitutes a robust MFC architecture as location of defect and length of arrays does not play any role in error masking as opposed to conventional clock. Finally, the work presents the study on the 2D nanomagnet array for boolean logic computation and vision logic computation. The effect of dipole-dipole interaction on magnetization state transition in closely spaced 2D array of ferromagnetic circular nanomagnet was explored. The detailed design space to demarcate the boundary between single domain state and vortex state reveals that the single domain state space is desirable for Boolean logic computation while the space around the boundary would be appropriate for vision logic computing.

En av de största globala utmaningarna idag är de negativa miljöeffekterna från den linjära ekonomin som världen bygger på, där produkter oupphörligt skapas från jungfruliga råvaror och efter användningstiden slutar som avfall utan nytta. Initiativ på flera nivåer; lokalt, regionalt, nationellt och globalt, krävs för att uppnå en cirkulär ekonomi där uppkomsten av avfall, samt utvinningen av jungfruliga råvaror, minskar. Europeiska unionens handlingsplan för cirkulär ekonomi säger att 75 % av alla förpackningar ska materialåtervinnas till år 2030. I Sverige materialåtervinns mellan 42,2 % (plastförpackningar) och 95 % (glas) och fastighetsnära insamlingssystem för förpackningar och tidningar är förhållandevis väl utbyggda, åtminstone för flerfamiljshus. Gällande småhus har utvecklingen gått något långsammare även om flera kommuner idag infört fastighetsnära insamling för hushållsavfall, inklusive förpacknings- och tidningsavfall. Att välja ett nytt, utökat avfallssystem till en kommun är ett stort och komplext beslut med många aspekter att ta hänsyn till. Flera tidigare utredningar inför denna typ av beslut har saknat en tydlig målbild, metodik och systematik i granskningen, varför syftet med denna studie varit att utveckla en metod för att genomföra en systematisk multikriterieanalys av ett antal avfallssystem för insamling och sortering av hushållsavfall från småhus i en kommun.  Innan multikriterieanalysen påbörjades gjordes en omfattande kartläggning av de aspekter som är kopplade till beslutet om ett nytt avfallssystem. Kartläggningen och det urval av aspekter som gjordes till multikriterieanalysen är värdefull kunskap för kommuner som står inför denna typ av beslut. Multikriterieanalysen har tagits fram med inspiration från den generiska formen av en multikriterieanalys där Linköpings kommun och Tekniska verken använts som fall. På grund av detta har även de system som utvärderats valts ut med hänsyn till intressanta avfallssystem för Linköpings kommun. Den framtagna multikriterieanalysen har paketerats i ett användarvänligt verktyg som kan användas av beslutsfattare i kommuner som önskar att utvärdera och jämföra avfallssystem för småhus.  Studien har resulterat i att det i huvudsak är följande sju kriterier som bör beaktas i en utredning gällande ett nytt insamlings- och sorteringssystem för småhus i en kommun, där resurseffektivitet är av hög prioritet i beslutet: 

Etablerbarhet & flexibilitet 

Miljöpåverkan från materielbehov 

Kundperspektiv 

Arbetsmiljö 

Miljöpåverkan från energianvändning vid drift 

Insamlingsresultat 

Ekonomi  Dessa kriterier har brutits ned i mindre beståndsdelar, kallade indikatorer. När avfallssystem ska utvärderas och jämföras är det essentiellt att de bedöms inom dessa kriterier och indikatorer för att skapa bra underlag inför valet av system.   Studien har kunnat belysa att det i nuläget finns en hel del osäkerheter inom områdena Etablerbarhet & flexibilitet samt Miljöpåverkan från energianvändning i drift som försvårar bedömning av system inom kriterierna. Även vissa avfallssystem saknas tillräcklig kunskap om som krävs för att kunna göra en rättvis bedömning av systemen, mycket till följd av att de är oetablerade i Sverige.
One of the greatest challenges the world is facing today is the negative environmental effects as a result from the linear economy used in societies, where products are constantly being produced from raw materials and end up as waste after the period of usage. Initiatives on many levels; local, regional, national and global are needed to create a circular economy which minimizes both the generation of waste and the extraction of raw materials. The European Union’s action plan for circular economy expresses that 75 % of all packaging waste should be recycled by 2030. In Sweden packaging waste is being recycled between 42,2 % (plastic waste) to 95 % (glass waste) and the curbside collection systems for packaging waste are quite well-developed, especially regarding waste systems for multi-family houses. For single-family houses the development has been slower, although several municipalities have introduced curbside collection systems for household waste including packaging and newspaper waste during the last years. It is a comprehensive and complex decision to invest in a new extended curbside collection and sorting system in a municipality and there are many aspects to consider. Since several previous inquiries regarding this type of decision lacks a systematic approach and clear objectives, the purpose of this study is to develop a method for conducting a systematic multi-criteria analysis of collection and sorting systems for single-family household waste in a municipality.  Prior to the multi-criteria analysis a substantial evaluation of aspects related to the decision of a new waste system was made. The mapping and selection of aspects that were made provide great knowledge for municipalities facing this kind of decision. The developed multi-criteria analysis is based on the generic form of a multi-criteria analysis, using the municipality of Linköping and Tekniska verken as case. As a result, the range of waste systems evaluated have been selected according to the preferences of Linköping municipality. The developed multi-criteria analysis has been transferred to a user-friendly tool for decision makers at municipalities who wish to assess and compare extended collection and sorting systems for single-family household waste.  The study has resulted in the following criteria which should be considered in an inquiry of waste systems for single-family houses in a municipality, where resource efficiency is highly prioritized: 

Establishment & flexibility 

Environmental impact from usage of materiel 

Customer perspective 

Working standards 

Environmental impact from energy usage during operation 

Collection results 

Economy  These criteria have been divided into smaller components, called indicators. When assessing and comparing waste systems, it is essential to evaluate systems within these criteria and indicators to ensure a thorough basis for this type of decision.  The study has been able to highlight some lack of knowledge within the criteria Establishment & flexibility and Environmental impact from energy usage during operation, which complicates the assessment of waste systems within these areas. Sufficient knowledge regarding some waste systems are also missing, most likely due to the systems not being used in Sweden.

De senaste årens krav på hållbarhet, har tillsammans med en önskan att göra städerna renare, tystare och mer tillgängliga, resulterat i att cykeln kommit att prioriteras inom samhällsplaneringen. I syfte att främja en hållbar stadsutveckling och uppmuntra fler människor att cykla har allt fler städer valt att upprätta hyrcykelsystem. En av dessa städer är Gävle som under våren 2016 genomför en pilotstudie för att undersöka möjligheten att införa ett regionalt hyrcykelsystem riktat till pendlare. Syftet med denna studie är därför att applicera en metod för att optimera lokaliseringen av cykelstationer i ett hyrcykelsystem i Gävle. För att uppnå detta har en GIS-baserad multikriterieanalys (MKA) upprättats. Multikriterieanalysen resulterade i att ett antal platser pekades ut som lämpliga för etablering av hyrcykelsstationer. Genom vidare analys och diskussion av resultatet prioriterades antalet platser ned ytterligare. Detta mynnade ut i en rekommendation över de två lämpligaste platserna i Gävle för etablering av hyrcykelstationer. Dessa platser är Södermalm och Rådhustorget.
The desire to make our cities cleaner, quieter and more accessible has given the bicycle a higher priority in urban planning in recent years. In order to promote sustainable urban development and encourage people to cycle an increasing number of cities have chosen to set up bike-share systems. During the spring of 2016 the city of Gävle is conducting a pilot study to examine the possibility of introducing a bike-share system. The purpose of this study is therefore to apply a method to optimize the location of bike stations in a bike-share system in Gävle. To achieve this, a GIS-based multi-criteria analysis (MCA) was established. The MCA resulted in a number of sites identified as suitable for the establishment of bike-share stations. Through further analysis and discussion the number of stations was prioritized even further. This resulted in a recommendation of the two most suitable locations for establishment of bike-share stations in Gävle. These places are Södermalm and Rådhustorget.

Carbon dioxide is released by natural and anthropogenic processes, such as the production and combustion of fossil fuels. Production of biogas also generates carbon dioxide, but of biogenic origin. The global, yearly emissions of greenhouse gases are regularly increasing, although agreements such as the Paris Agreement is signed by parties globally. Sweden has the goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2045, and thereafter to only obtain negative emission levels. To reach these goals the biogenic version of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) called Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is considered to be an essential strategy. Using carbon dioxide, through Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), in for example products, can complement BECCS since the strategy can increase the value of carbon dioxide. These strategies make it possible to reduce the climate impact of biogas production.  This master thesis aimed to chart different techniques in CCS and CCU to examine how they can be used to utilize or store carbon dioxide from biogas plants. What technical demands different solutions create was explored. The different techniques were assessed through a multi criteria analysis by a technological, environmental, marketable and economical standpoint to investigate which ones were the most suitable for a specific, studied case – Tekniska verken’s biogas plant. One suitable technique within CCU was analyzed through a screening of actors in the region. An environmental assessment of one technique in CCS and one in CCU were compared with the reference case Business as usual, to explore how a simulated biogas plant’s climate impact can change through the implementation of CCS and CCU.  The charting of literature gave findings of 42 different techniques, which were sifted down to 7; algae farming for wastewater treatment, BECCS in saltwater aquifers, carbon dioxide curing of concrete, bulk solutions, production of methanol, production of methane through Power To Gas and crop yield boosting in greenhouses. The multi criteria analysis pointed out carbon dioxide curing of concrete and BECCS in saltwater aquifers as suitable solutions for the studied case. The implementation of these techniques requires a liquefaction plant, infrastructure for transportation as well as business partners.  A life cycle assessment of the studied cases climate impact was given through modelling and simulation of a model plant of the studied case, with the functional unit 1 Nm3 biomethane. The reference case Business as usual had a climate impact of 0,38 kg CO2 eq, which corresponds to approximately one eighth of the climate impact of fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel. By storing the carbon dioxide through BECCS in saltwater aquifers the climate impact decreased to - 0,42 kg CO2 eq. By utilizing the carbon dioxide through curing of concrete the biomethane’s climate impact decreased to -0,72 kg CO2 eq. The results thereby evince that Swedish biogas producers can improve their climate performance through CCS and CCU.
Koldioxid släpps ut av såväl naturliga som antropogena processer, exempelvis vid produktion och förbränning av fossila bränslen. Även vid biogasproduktion uppkommer koldioxid, men av biogent ursprung. Årliga globala utsläpp av växthusgaser ökar regelbundet, trots överenskommelser som Parisavtalet som syftar till att begränsa klimatförändringarna. Sverige ska nå nettonollutsläpp senast 2045 och därefter ha negativa utsläppsnivåer. För att uppnå detta mål anses en biogen version av Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), det vill säga avskiljning och lagring av koldioxid, kallad Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) vara en essentiell strategi. Tillvaratagande av koldioxid, genom Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), kan ge ett bra komplement till BECCS eftersom det nyttiggör koldioxid i produkter och kan öka värdet av koldioxid. Tekniker inom CCS och CCU möjliggör minskad klimatpåverkan inom biogasproduktion.  Detta examensarbete syftade till att kartlägga olika alternativ inom teknikerna CCS och CCU för att undersöka hur dessa kan användas för att nyttiggöra eller lagra koldioxid från biogasanläggningar, samt att undersöka vilka tekniska krav som ges av lösningarna. Utifrån en multikriterieanalys bedömdes vilka lösningar som var tekniskt, miljömässigt, marknadsmässigt och ekonomiskt motiverade för tillvaratagande av koldioxid. Bedömningen genomfördes genom att studera specifikt fall som var Tekniska verken i Linköpings biogasanläggning. Den lösning som valdes ut som lämplig inom CCU analyserades ur ett marknadsmässigt perspektiv genom en översiktlig kartläggning av aktörer i regionen. Därefter studerades klimatpåverkan från en förenklad modell av Tekniska verkens biogasanläggning för att undersöka hur denna förändras vid implementering av en lämplig lösning inom CCS respektive CCU.  Genom en screening av lösningsförslag identifierades 42 lösningsförslag inom CCS och CCU som sållades ner till sju stycken; algodling vid vattenrening, BECCS i saltvattenakviferer, betong härdad av koldioxid, bulklösning, metanoltillverkning, tillverkning av metan genom Power To Gas samt växthusodling. Multikriterieanalysen visade att koldioxidhärdad betong inom CCU och BECCS i saltvattenakviferer inom CCS var lämpliga lösningar för det studerade fallet. För implementering av förslagen krävdes bland annat en förvätskningsanläggning, infrastruktur för transport och samarbetspartners.  De studerade scenariernas klimatmässiga livscykel erhölls genom modellering och simulering av en modellanläggning av det studerade fallets biogasanläggning i programvaran SimaPro med användning av den funktionella enheten 1 Nm3 fordonsgas. Resultatet visade att fordonsgasen i referensfallet har en klimatpåverkan på 0,38 kg koldioxidekvivalenter. Fordonsgasens klimatpåverkan var cirka en åttondel av fossila bränslen såsom bensin och diesels klimatpåverkan. Vid lagring av koldioxid genom BECCS i saltvattenakviferer förändrades klimatpåverkan till - 0,42 kg koldioxidekvivalenter. När koldioxid användes till härdning av betong förändrades fordonsgasens klimatpåverkan till -0,72 kg koldioxidekvivalenter. Detta innebär att svenska producenter av biogas kan förbättra sin klimatpåverkan genom såväl lösningar inom CCS som CCU.

Chez les patients atteints de la sclérose en plaques (SEP), les lymphocytes T autoréactifs utilisent des molécules d'adhérence (CAM) pour traverser la barrière hémo-encéphalique (BHE), pénétrer dans le système nerveux central (SNC) et médier la détérioration de la myéline. Les lymphocytes T régulateurs (Treg) constituent l’un des éléments clés de la tolérance immunitaire, protégeant contre les réactions auto-immunes. Cependant, l'entrée et la fonction des Treg dans le SNC restent largement inconnues. Notre laboratoire a démontré la contribution de plusieurs CAM, dont la molécule melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), dans la migration des lymphocytes pathogéniques à travers la BHE. L'objectif de cette étude est de déterminer si les Treg migrent dans le SNC en utilisant MCAM et s’ils exercent des fonctions anti-inflammatoires qui pourraient atténuer l'inflammation du SNC. L'expression de MCAM, des marqueurs fonctionnels de Treg (CTLA-4, CCR6, CCR5), ainsi que leur sécrétion de cytokines (IL-10, GrzmB, TGF-ß, IFN-γ, TNF α, GM-CSF, IL-17a), ont été étudiées sur des Treg du sang périphérique, du liquide céphalo-rachidien (LCR) et de la culture in vitro, provenant de patients atteints de SEP et d’individus sains (HC), par cytométrie de flux, en corroboration avec qPCR et ELISA. De plus, la présence de MCAM+ Treg dans le SNC a été évaluée par immunohistofluorescence (CD4, CD25, Foxp3, MCAM, noyaux) sur des souris atteintes d'encéphalomyélite auto-immune expérimentale (EAE). Nos données ont montré une augmentation de l'expression de MCAM sur les Treg de patients atteints de la forme cyclique de SEP (RRMS) par rapport aux HC. Nous avons observé une tendance vers une fréquence plus élevée de MCAM+ Treg dans le LCR par rapport au sang périphérique des patients atteints de SEP, ce qui suggère que MCAM pourrait jouer un rôle important dans la migration des Treg. Ces cellules MCAM+ Treg semblent avoir un phénotype plus fonctionnel et anti-inflammatoire que leurs contreparties MCAM-. De plus, nous avons trouvé des niveaux plus élevés de MCAM+ Treg dans les périodes de rémission de l'EAE, ce qui souligne leur implication durant cette phase de la maladie. Dans l'ensemble, nos données montrent que MCAM est une CAM essentielle pour la migration des Treg vers le SNC.
In multiple sclerosis (MS), autoreactive T cells upregulate cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), enter the central nervous system (CNS) and mediate damage to myelin. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are one of the key components of immune tolerance, protecting against autoimmune reactions. However, Treg's entry and function in the CNS remains largely unknown. Our lab has demonstrated the contribution of several CAMs, including melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), in the migration of pathogenic lymphocytes across the BBB. The goal of this study is to determine whether Treg migrate into the inflamed CNS using MCAM and exert anti-inflammatory functions, possibly dampening CNS inflammation. The expression of MCAM and Treg functional markers and chemokine receptors (CTLA-4, CCR6, CCR5,), as well as cytokine secretion (IL-10, GrzmB, TGF-ß, IFN-γ, TNF α, GM-CSF, IL-17a), were studied on MS patients and healthy individuals (HC) Treg from the peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and in vitro culture, by flow cytometry, in corroboration with qPCR and ELISA. Moreover, the presence of MCAM+ Treg in the CNS was assessed by immunohistofluorescence (CD4, CD25, Foxp3, MCAM, nuclei) on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) affected mice. Our data showed an increase in the expression of MCAM on Treg during relapse-remitting MS patients (RRMS) compared to HC. We observed a trend for a higher frequency of MCAM+ Treg cells in the CSF versus the peripheral blood of MS patients, suggesting that MCAM might play an important role in the migration of Treg. These MCAM+ Treg seem to have a more functional and anti-inflammatory phenotype than their MCAM- counterparts. Moreover, we found higher levels of MCAM+ Treg in periods of EAE remission, underlining their involvement during this disease phase. Overall, our data depicts MCAM as an essential CAM for Treg homing to the CNS.

Currently, students in Massachusetts are under pressure to pass Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing in order to advance to the next grade or to receive a graduation diploma. The major purpose of this research is to determine upper elementary teachers' perceptions regarding the usefulness of Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing for improving the learning of third, fourth, and fifth grade public school students. Specifically, the research questions that guide this study are: (1) To what extent do upper elementary teachers perceive the WAS test inclusive of important learning being taught in their classroom? (2) To what extent do upper elementary teachers think WAS testing contributes to improvements in student learning? (3) What do upper elementary teachers report to be the positive and negative impacts of WAS testing on curriculum and instruction? (4) Why do upper elementary teachers prefer to continue or eliminate MCAS testing as a means for improving student learning? The schools participating in this study came from 254 randomly selected elementary schools in Massachusetts. A total of 310 third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers were selected from 41 diverse public schools that represented 12 of all 14 counties within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Teacher Perception Survey, which included 66 Likert scale items and the Teacher Perception Interview, which consisted of four interview questions were used to gather data for answering the four research questions. Data for research question one suggest that teachers did not consider MCAS testing to be inclusive of important learning being taught in the their classroom. Data for research question two reveal that teachers do not consider MCAS testing as a major reason for improvements in student learning. Data for research question three imply that teachers' view MCAS testing as having more negative than positive impacts on curriculum and instruction. Data for research question four suggest that teachers' preference for eliminating MCAS testing is more extreme than their desire to keep MCAS testing as a means for improving student learning. Seventy-seven percent of participating teachers indicate a preference for eliminating MCAS testing.

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies
The study of Quality of Life (Qol) has been conducted on various scales throughout the years with focus on assessing overall quality of living amongst citizens. The main focus in these studies have been on economic factors, with the purpose of creating a Quality of Life Index (QLI).When it comes down to narrowing the focus to the environment and factors like Urban Green Spaces (UGS) and air quality the topic gets more focused on pointing out how each alternative meets this certain criteria. With the benefits of UGS and a healthy environment in focus a new Environmental Quality of Life Index (EQLI) will be proposed by incorporating Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Working with MCA on complex environmental problems and incorporating it with GIS is a challenging but rewarding task, and has proven to be an efficient approach among environmental scientists. Background information on three MCA methods will be shown: Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Regime Analysis and PROMETHEE. A survey based on a previous study conducted on the status of UGS within European cities was sent to 18 municipalities in the study area. The survey consists of evaluating the current status of UGS as well as planning and management of UGS with in municipalities for the purpose of getting criteria material for the selected MCA method. The current situation of UGS is assessed with use of GIS software and change detection is done on a 10 year period using NDVI index for comparison purposes to one of the criteria in the MCA. To add to the criteria, interpolation of nitrogen dioxide levels was performed with ordinary kriging and the results transformed into indicator values. The final outcome is an EQLI map with indicators of environmentally attractive municipalities with ranking based on predefinedMCA criteria using PROMETHEE I pairwise comparison and PROMETHEE II complete ranking of alternatives. The proposed methodology is applied to Lisbon’s Metropolitan Area, Portugal.

Over the past decade, politicians, businesspersons, and educators have pushed for “higher,” “tougher,” and “world-class” standards for K–12 students. This standards movement includes state standardized, curriculum-based tests. Massachusetts recently developed the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). MCAS is considered a high-stakes test because a passing score determines graduation for students, and sanctions and rewards for teachers and schools. The experiences of 16 Massachusetts English teachers in teaching under the MCAS high-stakes testing requirement were explored using a qualitative research method known as in-depth interviewing from a phenomenological perspective (Seidman, 1998). These participants taught a variety of students in a range of Massachusetts public schools. Over the course of three 90-minute interviews, each participant established context through life histories, detailed their current teaching experiences, and made meaning of these experiences. Using an inductive process of analysis, data were reduced and coded; essential features, relationships, and patterns were explored. The findings were organized into three major themes. This study found that teachers narrowed their curriculum, changed instruction, and designed classroom assessments to match the content and skills that MCAS tests. Teachers associated both gains and losses with these changes. Moreover, this high-stakes test both enhanced and undermined their professional identities. MCAS and related professional activities empowered teachers; MCAS also disempowered teachers by imposing policies that controlled curriculum and instruction, threatened sanctions, and damaged reputations. Teachers voiced their socio-political analysis of the theories that underpin this high-stakes testing movement, the motives behind MCAS, and the current state of education. The findings reveal that the line between educational reform and improved education is neither unidirectional nor linear. Rather, it is a complex web of influences, motives, and actions. How policy winds its way into practice depends on the varied contexts in which teachers perceive and experience reform. This study suggests implications for policymakers, politicians, teachers, teacher educators, and researchers. Among other things, it makes a plea to policymakers and legislators to define what they mean by standards, re-examine the narrow content of the test, and include teachers as legitimate participants in making policy decisions that affect them and their students.